Colleen Machut remembers fondly the times growing up when her grandparents would launch into stories at family gatherings about their experiences during World War II.

Her grandpa, Eugene Hilke, of Manitowoc, was stationed in New Ginuea during the war and worked his way up to become a sergeant in the National Guard. His stories in particular were always filled with vivid imagery and description, she said.

The Hilkes' stories, and others like them, are important pieces of history that should be shared with others, Machut believes. As her grandparents aged (Eugene is 92 and his wife, Alice, is 88) she began to feel the urgency of capturing the full extent of their experiences before it was too late.

"I wanted to get more depth out of them," said Machut, 26, of Sheboygan. "Once they're gone, their stories are gone, which is kind of scary."

Huzzah Theatre Troupe to perform original work at Sheboygan's Military Heritage Museum. Produced by Gary C. Klein
Produced by Gary C. Klein/Sheboygan Press Media

In an effort to share the Hilkes' experiences and experiences of other local people who lived during The Great Depression and World War II eras, Machut and three fellow thespians/musicians, who form The Huzzah Theatre Troupe, started The Live Forever Project.

Through the project, troupe members have sought out individuals in the Sheboygan and Manitowoc areas to interview, and then put their experiences into theatrical performances to perform for the public.

"History is not just stuff that happened," Machut said. "It's people doing things, experiencing things, thinking things, feeling things. If we can make that come alive, the connection will become apparent."

Their first show, "Alice and Eugene: The Lucky Ones," will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Military Heritage Museum, 824 S. Eighth St.

The performance depicts Eugene's experience overseas, as well as Alice's experience at home. It will include songs written and performed by Machut and her husband, Trent Machut. Two Rivers native Kelsey Vohen also will perform creative movement and dance to poetry written and recited by Emily Mathis, of Manitowoc.

Machut said they're looking to continue the project and create more performances based on the real-life stories of area residents.

"My grandparents are never the type that would ever think that anyone would want to hear their stories beyond family," Machut said. "As a troupe, we value any of the stories we get from anyone, but we especially like it when we find people whose voices have not been heard yet because these stories are just disappearing. And how many people are in the cracks and crevices out there who have these experiences that nobody knows?"

They're in the process of interviewing two people from Two Rivers and three from Sheboygan, and they're looking for more volunteers.

Each interview takes about 2 hours, and they like to do at least two session, she said. For her grandparents, however, she spent about 10 hours over the course of last summer.

Machut said The Live Forever Project is a prime opportunity to share the stories of people who have never shared their experiences before or may be opposed to doing so themselves in front of an audience.

People like Machut's grandparents.

— Reach Kali Thiel at 920-453-5134

If you go

Upcoming performances of The Huzzah Theatre Troupe's "Alice and Eugene: The Lucky Ones" are at:

Tickets at the Military Heritage Museum are $7 for adults, $3 for veterans. Kids 12 and under are free. Mead Library performance is free. Funds raised go towards covering the costs of keeping the project operational.